Looking for quick legal or financial advice online? Be careful what you click. The FTC just exposed a subscription trap that affected hundreds of thousands of consumers.
On January 13, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against JustAnswer LLC and its CEO Andrew Kurtzig, alleging that the company used “dark patterns” to dupe people seeking expert advice into expensive recurring subscriptions.
How the scam worked
Here’s the playbook, according to the FTC’s complaint:
- The hook: Ads promised access to lawyers, doctors, mechanics or financial experts for as little as $1 or $5
- The AI meeting: An AI chatbot called “Pearl” collected your information and questions
- The trap: A sign-up form with the monthly amount hidden in small print above a large ‘Confirm Now’ button
- The surprise: Immediate charges from $28 to $79 per month until you learn how to cancel
The numbers tell the story
$79/monthActual recurring costs
100,000’sConsumer complaints
The lawsuit alleges that JustAnswer operated multiple sites outside of JustAnswer.com, including AskALawyer.com, AskAVeterinarianOnline.com, AskWomensHealth.com, and Pearl.com, all using the same deceptive playbook.
Why this is important if you have debt
People drowning in debt are often desperate for answers. “Can I be sued?” “What are my rights?” “Is bankruptcy my only option?”
That desperation makes you a target. Services like JustAnswer know you’re clicking on a $1 pledge for expert legal advice. And once they have your card number, they’re banking on you being too overwhelmed to see another $79 on your bills.
Red flags to recognize
The JustAnswer lawsuit is a textbook example of subscription pitfalls. Look for these warning signs:
- Unusually low introductory or joining prices ($1, $5) for professional services
- Credit card required for ‘free’ trials or low-cost access
- Small print at the “confirm” button (always read above AND below)
- Difficult to find cancellation options
- Chatbots collect your information before displaying prices
What the law says
The FTC claims that JustAnswer violated its rules Online Shopper Confidence Restoration Act (ROSCA)which requires companies to:
- Clearly disclose ALL material terms before collecting billing information
- Please obtain your express informed consent before charging your account
- Provide easy ways to cancel recurring charges
Any company that violates these rules is violating federal law, not just being “shady.”
Are you tied to a subscription? Here’s what you need to do
Step 1: Try to cancel immediately
Document everything. Take a screenshot of your cancellation attempt. Save emails. Make a note of the date, time and any confirmation numbers.
Step 2: Dispute the charge
If the company does not cooperate, file a chargeback with your credit card company. You have 60 days from the date of the statement to dispute. Call the number on your card and contact us in writing.
Step 3: Report it
File a complaint with ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your complaint becomes part of the evidence the FTC uses for cases like this.
Response from JustAnswer
The company claims that it “clearly publishes the prices and model in advance” and offers easy cancellation. The FTC disagrees – strongly enough to file a federal lawsuit.
That is for the courts to decide. What you can decide is whether you want to hand over your credit card to a service that promises professional advice for a dollar.
The bottom line
Not sure what your debt options actually are? Take the Find Your Path quiz for a personalized assessment: no credit card required, no subscriptions, no tricks.
(Source: NPR)
Frequently asked questions
Is JustAnswer a scam?
The FTC lawsuit alleges that JustAnswer used deceptive practices to enroll consumers in expensive subscriptions without proper authorization. Whether it’s technically a “scam” is up to the courts to decide, but the FTC calls it “rampant consumer deception.” If you are considering using the service, please exercise extreme caution.
How do I cancel my JustAnswer subscription?
JustAnswer claims that you can cancel via their 24/7 toll-free number, live chat, email or with one click on their website. Document your cancellation attempt with screenshots and confirmation numbers. If they continue to charge you after cancellation, dispute the charges with your credit card company.
Can I get a refund from JustAnswer?
You can request a refund directly from JustAnswer. If they decline and you believe you have been charged without proper authorization, file a chargeback with your credit card company within 60 days of the statement date. You can also file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What is a dark pattern?
Dark patterns are website design tricks that manipulate you into doing things you didn’t intend, such as signing up for subscriptions, sharing data, or making purchases. Common examples include hiding cancel buttons, pre-checking permission boxes, and burying important terms in small print.
What is ROSCA and how does it protect me?
The Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) is a federal law that requires online merchants to clearly disclose subscription terms, obtain your express consent before charging you, and provide easy cancellation. Companies that violate ROSCA face FTC enforcement actions, fines and consumer refunds.
#FTC #Sues #JustAnswer #Trap #Expert #Advice #Costs #Month